Retail Director

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Job Title: Retail Director

Company:ME+EM

Location: London

About Us:

ME+EM is one of the UK's fastest-growing luxury fashion brands. As a direct-to-consumer business we operate in a truly omnichannel way, with an extremely successful online store, complemented by highly performing boutiques in London, Edinburgh and concessions in Harrods and Selfridges. Our exciting growth continues in 2024 with the opening of our first US flagship on Madison Avenue, closely followed by two further stores later in the Spring.

At ME+EM we are an entrepreneurial, creative, and passionate group of people. We work hard, are enthusiastic to learn and aren't afraid to take risks. Everyone contributes to our success at all levels, and that's precisely what makes being a member of the team so rewarding.

Our office and stores are always busy and fast paced, but we work just as hard to make sure it's fun, with social activities and biannual parties. We pride ourselves on being approachable, supportive, and welcoming and ensure that everyone's hard work is rewarded. It takes all these things to build a strong, successful business and our door is always open to new talent ready to contribute to our growth and evolution.

Position Overview:

This is an exciting opportunity, in a newly created role for a dynamic and experienced Retail Operations Director to lead our retail and store teams in both the UK and US. You will have a proven track record of defining and delivering on a global retail strategy, as well as successfully leading and inspiring large, diverse teams and developing and delivering a modern omnichannel client experience.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working for a luxury or contemporary retail brand, specifically in the US and be able to support the businesses in leading the retail strategy in collaboration with the Founder and Senior Management Team.

Responsibilities:

Location & New Store Strategy:

Develop and implement a comprehensive location strategy aligned with the brand's vision and target market.

• Develop comprehensive location strategy plans, including site selection criteria, market entry timelines, and financial projections.
• Analyse market trends, demographics, and competitive landscape to identify optimal locations for new stores.
• Provide leadership in the execution of store openings, store relocations, remodels.
• Constantly monitoring and being reactive to the external competitive landscape in the UK and US markets.
• Collaborate with cross-functionally with Brand, Growth and Trading teams to ensure strategic alignment
• Lead negotiations with landlords and real estate partners to secure favourable lease terms and agreements for new store locations.
• Overseeing the Property Management team in all aspects of new store openings, including store design, construction, timing, and staffing.

Retail & Operational Management:

Known and appreciated by our clients for our thoughtful, considered approach to styling that is inclusive to all women you will:

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the overall customer experience, increasing sales and customer loyalty.
• Responsible for the strategic retailer relationships with external partners
• Provide inspiring leadership and guidance to store managers fostering a culture of excellence, professionalism, teamwork, and accountability.
• Monitor key performance indicators and operational metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to enhance efficiency, productivity, and the omni-channel brand ethos.
• Seek opportunities to streamline and optimize retail operations processes, including inventory management, supply chain logistics, and fulfilment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment and integration of operational initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Marketing Directors and the senior members of the team to propel the development of an omni-channel environment, ensuring a unified view of the customer across all touchpoints.
• Working with the Trading Director and Senior VM Manager to create compelling in-store and online shopping experiences that drive sales and enhance brand perception.

Leadership:

• Recruit, develop, and lead retail and commercial operations team, including Store Managers, Property Manager, Head of Operations.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to ensure continuous professional growth and alignment with company values.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that reflects the brand's culture and ethos.
• Monitor, analyze and drive key performance indicators for all retail locations.
• Generate regular reports and insights to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement.

Experience:

• Experience of management in US retail stores is essential.
• Retail management, in the women's luxury/contemporary apparel industry and omnichannel experience essential.
• Proven track record of success in driving sales, optimizing operations, and leading strategic expansion initiatives.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams at all levels.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset and attention to detail.
• Microsoft/ google Office Suite, and other relevant technology platforms.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Employee Benefits:

• 33 days annual leave for full time employees (25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays)
• A day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Pension Scheme
• Group Life and Income Protection Insurances
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Length of Service Award
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Staff uniform for retail employees
• Generous Staff and Friends and Family Discount
• Annual Volunteer Day
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Real Living Wage Employer
• Employee led committees
• Social events and biannual parties
• Enhanced maternity and paternity package after 2 years of service.

ME+EM is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering and preserving a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion in our workforce. As an equal opportunities' employer, we do not discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe that diversity enriches our workforce and strengthens our organisation. Therefore, we encourage minorities, LGBTQ+ candidates, and individuals with disabilities to apply for opportunities within our company.Please email [email protected] should you require any adjustments needed to take part in this recruitment process.
Please note, due to the large number of applications we receive, we can only reply to those that are successful to the next stage.